Thoughts on hiking shoes vs boots

[Bluegum Mic]

Howdy all.

I'm currently thinking about getting a second pair of shoes for lighter weekend walks as I currently have some North Face Jannu leather boots.

My first pair were a shoe that I walked to death in for about 5 years without a problem. I've since then always hiked in boots with no dramas (3 different pairs of scarpas). The one time I've walked in a shoe since (ecco reactor) I've had a bad fall tearing my acl, about 5cm of the ligament between my tib and fib and cracked my talar dome. So I've kinda avoided them since. I appreciate boots have just as many issues when falling and I'm sure no shoe/boot would have stopped me from injury that day however I'm a little torn (no pun intended which style of shoe to go with.

I love the look of the innov-8 terroc 308 but I'm not sure I like the idea of a shoe with no waterproofing for rainy days where there's no chance for them to dry out. So what lightweight options do people like/recommend. Does anyone use a non goretex option and find them bearable on wet days.

Thanks for the feedback

Cheers

Mic

[Stibb]

I'm also looking at getting some lightweight alternative to my Scarpa fullgrain boots. They are great in many ways but on the heavy side of things. Also, I feel you have much more freedom to move around with shoes and compensate naturally to uneven surfaces. There are many options and in my research I've got my own list down to 3 options, all waterproof by either goretex or eVent but that includes some lightweight boot too.
Agree, inov8 seems like a good choice although I would go for the lightweight half boot Rocklite 400GTX. Seems like a really good hybrid to me but no personal experience with this brand http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&L=27&P=5050973129

Another brand worth considering is Ahnu and probably what I personally will get. I've tried (very briefly) a couple of their products and they seem to be top quality and are super comfy. The models I'm looking at are Montara and Montara boot. eVent and vibram sole I'll probably go for the shoes but the boots looks great too (not sure why they display the shoe on the boot page Must be something wrong with their site as when I looked last time the boot was def displayed). I think the price is great too although it has to be shipped from US
Montara: http://www.ahnu.com/womens-montara-waterproof-hiking-shoes/AF2127,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_AF2127_color=CFBN&dwvar_AF2127_size=05
Montara boot: http://www.ahnu.com/womens-montara-stability-hiking-boots/AF2128,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_AF2128_color=ASAU&dwvar_AF2128_size=06

I'm also interested in what other people use

EDIT: Just found that paddy palin got the Montara shoes. Too bad they're not in Hobart anynore for me to try 'em
http://www.paddypallin.com.au/footwear/women-s-footwear/women-s-shoes/ahnu-montara-shoe-womens.html

[Earthling]

Does anyone use a non goretex option and find them bearable on wet days.

Ive gone to wearing 'sneakers' for the last few years and I used to be a Scarpa boot walker.
Hiked for 4 days of rain last Xmas in a non-goretex shoe - the Asics GEL-Nimbus 12 Running Shoes. I normally dont walk in rain (mostly due to luck), however during that trip it wasnt a problem(temps mid 20's). They dried out fairly well by morning as of their breathability. Good socks probably assist with no blisters etc whilst wet as well.
During Easter we hiked the odd day of rain in Tas, with near sleet conditions one day with rain for 4-5 hours, again no dramas. Shoes got very wet but when the rain stops they dry out quickly.
When wet I dont find them uncomfortable at all, or cold. I think its a mind thing...Ooooo cant get wet....
For the time being Im going to stick with non-goretex sneakers...and for the record they dont have to be 'trail' shoes that the marketing people push. I did the Larapinta in a pair of Brooks Beasts (running shoes) a while back and that trail is meant to be very very hard on shoes as of the rocks/stones...no damage to mine.

Not sure about snow though...

[ColD]

Lovin' this debate/comparisson by experienced trekkers. I go everywhere in Blunnies or Addidas when I'm ruunin'. I have been contemplating spending dosh on a purpose built hiker but do I need to?

[john_sydney]

I have always walked in scarpa leather boots however I think the sole has compressed and my feet feel bruised after several kms. I am also thinking lighter non leather hiking / trail sunning shoes are the go. I did see some 5 10 approach shoes in kathmandu which look ok.

[Bluegum Mic]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I really appreciate it. I thought many would like the fact they dry out so quick (not to mention comfort).

Funnily enough another pair which I'd seen at my local store was the North Face ultra 405s which although mens I liked the fit (though a little pricey). A pair just popped up on eBay local in Syd in the colour I like and all. I just snapped them up! Happy. They weigh half of my jannu's and are also goretex lined so at least I'll have some protection from rainy days.



Keep the discussion coming though as I like hearing both sides of the story. I'll also give some feedback on them in a couple of weeks when I walk the royal national park. Nothin like a 20km day for a baptism of fire fear not I'll take them for a stroll next weekend before throwing the pack on.

Cheers

Mic

[Nuts]

Ok, perhaps a bit late perhaps better late than never but ive found over the past year a confirmation of what ive occasionally heard people say. Goretex in shoes is a CROC....

Like you bmg, i had similar thoughts about trying lighter footwear and have tried several different models from different brands. Mid height and shoe style.

It just isnt waterproof used in this way and all i can think of anyone that considers this wrong is that they have never walked anywhere that is Really 'wet'. Perhaps ok to splash through the odd puddle on an otherwise dry track but besides that all it does (even if dodging puddles so that the water doesnt come over the top) is makes the shoes heavier and slower to dry. Ive heard it said that it works in leather boots and my Zamberlans do stay dry but im pretty much convinced (by these shoe trials) its just the leather despite the liner.

I tried innov8, dont like the low heel counter. Fabric shoes/boots wear out pretty quick as well (for me) so something cheap (perhaps the famous kt26's) are as good as any?

Havent given up on trying something light for tracks but its not going to involve goretex or any liner, id rather they have a chance to dry rather than not get wet. Might as well tape $ bills to the inside of shoes or boots!

Ive heard of people using a vapor barrier in shoes for snow mic, ie wet but warm... could be an option for you, though if using snowshoes and with good snow cover you may be able to keep your feet dry and warm by socks (for a while)..

(hmm, maybe i should save this post somewhere )

[Bluegum Mic]

I totally agree nuts.

If I'm heading anywhere for an a) length of time where weather will be ?? b) somewhere snowy or c) tassie/main range I will wear my Jannu's. I have no problem wearing my boots and if under a heavier load I'd want them anyway. I just want something lighter for walks in my local national park/round Sydney and also for weekend overnighters that I have a reasonable idea of weather conditions.

I agree with the gortex liners not being the be all and end all especially with boots. For example last time i did the overland track i wore a basic pair of leather boots (no goretex) and we had the typical mix or torrential rain, hail, snow, mud, and perfect sunny days too. All four of us wore boots and gaiters/overpants for the muddy/wet days. There was a mix of nubuck, flashy goretex etc and my simple leather boots were the only ones that didn't get wet. Not once did I have wet socks where my friends had a terrible time with it.

I actually went with the Jannu's as I liked the leather plus the heavy rubber at the toe not to mention uber comfy.



Again the goretex wasn't necessary for the new shoes, though I must admit they will hopefully be good enough for wearing in light rain with my eVent shortie gaiters (integral designs). I'll keep you posted on this thought though

[Nuts]

Hi mic, i suspected my comments wouldnt be new to you, they were more for others (coming here to look for advice when buying perhaps their first pair of bushwalking footwear)... (and i knew you wouldnt be offended by any bluntness' )


Happy b'day Nick S (26)

[Stibb]

For me they would never replace my scarpa boots but be used on reasonably good trails or where you know you wouldn't have to go through mud/creeks etc. They should be able to handle some rain, wet grass and smaller puddles though without getting soaked. I sometimes walk in my regular runners and they are great but they are obviously too fragile for any real bushwalking. Any moisture/rain/puddles and I'm soaked and thats what I would want to avoid.

Goretex in shoes is a CROC....

Ok, as I've never used any I wouldn't know but it's one of the reasons I'm leaning towards the eVent lined Ahnu. Does anyone have any experience with eVent shoes/boots? I thought they'd be more breathable than goretex.

[Nuts]

Goretex in shoes is a CROC....

Ok, as I've never used any I wouldn't know

No, that was the point of my post

I would expect event to act in a similar way... a breathable liner with taped seams in a situation under pressure that it was never designed for.... at best water 'resistant' would be the appropriate term.
edit; more 'breathable', yes!

Last edited by Nuts on Sun 10 Jul, 2011 6:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Penguin]

Goretex in shoes is a CROC....

Ok, as I've never used any I wouldn't know

No, that was the point of my post

I would expect event to act in a similar way... a breathable liner with taped seams in a situation under pressure that it was never designed for.... at best water 'resistant' would be the appropriate term.

What about gortex socks?

I have tried Sealskins with some success, but never tried them in the "Loddon"

P

[Bluegum Mic]

Stibb I had a look at the link and they look like nice shoes. I have no experience with eVent in shoes but I have an eVent jacket and my gaiters above mentioned. My only thoughts on the issue (on top of what nuts raised) would be knowing the requirements of care for eVent. Again this is a very hypothetical thought so hopefully someone with experience with those shoes/eVent lined shoes can give some insight. But my thought is eVent whilst highly waterproof and breathable it is only so if the membrane is clean ie once sweat/dirt/oils get on the membrane it loses it's breathability (not sure on the waterproof part). Therefore would eVent shoes require constant washing to maintain their breathability and waterproof-ness?? Something I'm unsure of but in theory I guess it's a consideration. If you buy them you'll have to do a review in them to let me know as I had a pair of eVent lined shoes in my hands today and pondered this exact thought.

Cheers

Mic

[Nuts]

Hi Pengy, the sealskins act more like a vapour barrier, not breathable? I don't know about anything 'breathable' (at all) inside waterproof boots, haven't got that far (gore etc socks) yet, doubt i ever will, the physics just arent making enough sense to justify further experiments. I can see my comments being a conversation stopper so i wont jump on anyone that has been happy with a breathable liner and thinks they do make sense (ill just disagree (about any 'waterproofness') in silence )

PS Good advice re cleanliness mic, definitely rules out my feet..

Last edited by Nuts on Sun 10 Jul, 2011 7:05 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[cams]

I think a waterproof liner in runner type shoes is useless. They're too low for it to do anything.

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about boots with waterproof liners at this stage. If it works and it does keep the water out then it is nice to have dry feet. However, my leather and goretex boots in particular don't do this but I'm not sure if it is just poor waterproofing on my part. Either way, water still gets in somehow and they weigh half a kilo heavier at the end of the day of walking in the rain.

As far as comfort and weight go , I have switched back to innov8's for all fine weather walking. Even with what I thought wasn't a perfect fit when I first got them they give no hot spots and require no 10 stage process when putting them on to avoid blisters (like my boots do). I have the terroc 330 and the grip is awesome in both slippery mud and rocks. They stood up to a fair beating over the last few days.

Someone needs to start weaving a bit of dyneema into mesh runners.

[Stibb]

I go everywhere in Blunnies or Addidas when I'm ruunin'. I have been contemplating spending dosh on a purpose built hiker but do I need to?

Blunnies are the worst thing ever for my feet. Keep sliding around inside squashing my feet to the sides/front. I use them around the house but that's about it.

... at best water 'resistant' would be the appropriate term.

Hm, that might actually be good enough for me. The nubuck leather would also help a little bit too me thinks.

If you buy them you'll have to do a review

I'm hoping to get a pair sent over by a US relative later this year if I don't change my mind. I'll write something up then.
If nothing else I think they look great and can be worn anywhere from work to Mt Wello

[mattmacman]

I have two pairs of shoes my Zamberlan Civetta gt rr boots and there massive and bulletproof, for easy nice trails i have one suggestion (well two but there pretty much the same) Zamberlan Zenith or Zamberlan Spirit, as above with other suggestions such as the TNF shoes i find that TNF has become somewhat of a 'fashion' brand! The Zeniths are rigid and provide some ankle support, they also have a goretex lining to keep ya feet dry! Cheers!

[Dale]

I'm also looking to switch to shoes which are able to dry fast vs Goretex shoes / boots which take forever to dry if you get them wet.

In summer for shorter overnight walks I just hike in Source sandles, works pretty well.

I looked at a pair of Salomon shoes at MD store with good mesh, would like to check out Inov8 but don't think you can get them here ?

[Dale]

I wandered into Kent St today (AKA outdoor store alley for those not familar with Sydney) looking for some lightweight hiking shoes. I have Scarpa mid weight boots which are very comfortable but wanted to get something lighter and preferably fast drying. Goretex shoes are great until they get wet inside...

I was planning on checking out the usual suspects - Merrell, Soloman etc... when to my surprise I found Adventure Megastore stocking Inov8s. I buy a lot of my gear from the States but aren't keen on taking a gamble on footwear. They've been stocking Innov8's for a short while and their basement has quite the range of minimilast barefoot trail running / hiking shoes.

Picked up a pair of Bare Grip 200s for $169. In the States they are $110, once you add postage and cross your fingers that they'll fit I'd prefer to buy them here. The assistant at the store seemed to know what he was talkign about - was very helpful, so a great experience all round.. might give them a whirl this weekend.

Attachments

Innov8 Bare foot 200.jpg (61.01 KiB) Viewed 27368 times

[ULWalkingPhil]

Cool color.

Am I the only one, that notice nearly all hiking boots now have Goretex linings? They are up my way.

[Son of a Beach]

Am I the only one, that notice nearly all hiking boots now have Goretex linings? They are up my way.

I found much the same. Last time I bought boots (several years ago), I tried in vain to find full leather, good quality walking boots without goretex. No luck. They all seem to have some sort of waterproof 'breathable' lining these days, whether you want it or not.

I'm due for some new boots. Just gotta get the budget sorted out.

[Dale]

Am I the only one, that notice nearly all hiking boots now have Goretex linings? They are up my way.

The shop assistants I've spoken to also seem to default to the waterproof boot / trail runner and it took a bit of repetition to get them to understand I wanted a lightweight breathable shoe that would dry quickly (in the right conditions).

[ColD]

Wow lotta "labels", lotta pritty shots, lotta dosh spent and miles travelled which is after all what were about. "Nuts" I didn't know they were still making the legendary K26 so many - too many K's done in these. I guess I battle with when I'm runnin' I need light, breathable and expendable due to slog, but when walkin our bush I want durable and protective. Just so long as my feet are movin.

[Tony]

Am I the only one, that notice nearly all hiking boots now have Goretex linings? They are up my way.

I found much the same. Last time I bought boots (several years ago), I tried in vain to find full leather, good quality walking boots without goretex. No luck. They all seem to have some sort of waterproof 'breathable' lining these days, whether you want it or not.

I'm due for some new boots. Just gotta get the budget sorted out.

I found the same thing, I wanted a some boots/shoes for snowshoeing, after weeks of searching I am going to try some Hitec all leather boots with Ionmask waterproof technology, I had to order them as my local shops do not stock my size 47, I still do not have them after 6 weeks as they had to come from the factory.

I will do a review when/if I get them.

Tony

[Stibb]

Last time I bought boots (several years ago), I tried in vain to find full leather, good quality walking boots without goretex. No luck. They all seem to have some sort of waterproof 'breathable' lining these days, whether you want it or not.

I thought full grain leather was supposed to be water proof in itself (if treated correctly) but maybe I'm mistaken. Maybe a stupid question.. but how breathable are full grain leather compared to gortex and event?

Are there any full grain leather shoes worth considering. Not even sure it would be a great idea as they they would still be quite heavy/stiff.

[Nuts]

More breathable stibb (than with gtx liners), cooler running...


KT: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 0175145653 (may just look like the old kt's?)
Non GTX boots: http://www.zamberlan.com/catalog/index. ... 76&idcat=2 (havent tried this model, good things about Zambelan though)

[Bluegum Mic]

Well I found something for the lady who loves to walk in her Dunlop volleys but hates getting wet feet from walking through the morning grass. Shiny volleys



Quite tempted to get them to bash around camp in. At least you could wipe em clean.

[Lindsay]

Iv'e been using all leather Hi-Tec Sierra V-Lite boots for a few years now and can't fault them. Next to no breaking in, no blisters and totally waterproof (of course, once the water does get in over the top it stays there) A rinse and a coat of dubbin and they are happy. I will probably get another pair the same when these finally give up the ghost.